Scientists at the University of Nottingham are developing alternative fuels from banana crop waste in the Rwanda. Bananas are a staple crop of Rwanda. The fruit is eaten in 
many different forms – even as beer and wine. With 2 million tons of the fruit being grown each year, the amount of green wasted from the plants is substantial. Before this innovative research, the leaves and stem were often left to rot.
Nottingham scientists are developing simple methods of producing banana briquettes that could be burnt for cooking and heating. PhD student Joel Chaney in the Faculty of Engineering has developed a method of producing the briquettes using minimal tools and technology, which could have beneficial implications for communities all over Africa.
To see how Joel makes his banana briquettes, watch the video at
www.test-tube.org.uk/videos/pages_joel_bananas.htm
To read more about this unique and practical innovation, visit the University news site.
Content added 11 April 2009.
